Skip to main content
Log in

Activity theory: A framework for design and reporting on research projects based on ICT

  • Published:
Education and Information Technologies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We propose using activity theory as a basis for designing and reporting on research projects that focus on information and communication technology (ICT) as a means to support educational processes. Adopting the theory, we describe teaching/learning activities mediated by ICT using a three level analysis: epistemological, methodological, social assistance. The analysis has been applied to the design and reporting of projects in both mathematics education at primary school level and training in technical innovation in commercial enterprises.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bellamy, R.K.E. (1996). Designing educational technology. In Nardi B.A. (ed.), Context and Consciousness. MIT Press: Cambridge, MA, 123-146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bottino, R.M. and Chiappini, G. (1998). User action and social interaction mediated by direct manipulation interfaces. Education and Information Technology, 3(3 & 4), 203-216.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bottino, R.M., Chiappini, G. and Ferrari, P.L. (1994). A hypermedia system for interactive problem solving in arithmetic, Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 3(3 & 4), 307-326.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cole, M. and Engestrom, Y. (1991). A cultural-historical approach to distributed cognition. In Salomon G. (ed.) Distributed Cognition, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1-47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engestrom, Y. (1987). Learning by Expanding, Orienta-consultit, Helsinki.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuutti, K. (1996). Activity theory as a potential framework for human computer interaction research. In Nardi B.A. (ed.) Context and Consciousness, MIT Press: Cambridge, MA, 17-44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Favorin M. (1995). Towards computer support for collaborative learning at work: six requirements, http://wwwcscl95.indiana.edu=cscl95=favorin.html

  • Forcheri, P., Molfino, M.T and Quarati, A. (1998). Design of learner-centered tools for continuous training in SMEs, Education & Information Technology, 3(3), 1-16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forcheri, P., Molfino, M.T., Quarati, A. and Riccio, F. (1998). A Computer-based model for continuous training in SMEs. In Davies G. (ed.) Proceedings of the Sixth IFIP World Computer Congress, Teleteaching'98, 313-321.

  • Leont'ev, A.N. (1974). The problem of activity in psychology. Soviet Psychology, 13(1), 4-33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leont'ev, A.N. (1978). Activity. Consciousness. Personality, Prentice Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tharp, R.G. and Gallimore, R. (1989). Rousing Minds to Life, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verdejo, F. and Davies, G. (eds.) (1996). The Virtual Campus: Trends for Higher Education and Training, Proceedings of 1997 IFIP TC3=WG3.3 & 3.6.

  • Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind and Society, Harvard University Press: Cambridge MA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wild, P. (1996). An assessment of strategies for information system evaluation: lessons for education, International Journal of Educational Research, 15(4), 361-371.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bottino, RM., Chiappini, G., Forcheri, P. et al. Activity theory: A framework for design and reporting on research projects based on ICT. Education and Information Technologies 4, 279–293 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009692126355

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009692126355

Navigation